Schools, shmools. There are other things that make suburban towns great. Here are our nominees of towns that distinguish themselves in unusual ways. Send us your suggestions, as we continue to comb the country for suburban towns like no other.

In Burbia's most recent contest, Burlington won more votes than its rivals -- Pittsfield MA, South Bend IN, Bend OR. Stay tuned for Burbia's next competition -- next week. SEND IN YOUR NOMINEES!

Meanwhile, congrats to Burlington. Why the Best: Spectacular beauty, great arts & culture, in one of the most comfortable, laid back 'civilized' towns in...read more.

Nominations are pouring in from Burbia users. Tell us what you think of the latest nominees. And tell us about your and other towns. [Check out the comment section.] Your towns will be the next nominees. Winners selected regularly.

Best Town Nominees

South Bend, IN (Fr ToddM). Home of Notre Dame.

Pittsfield, MA (Fr KenT). Tanglewood Music Festival.

Bend, OR (Fr MonC). Great family & outdoor living.

Burlington, VT (Fr DaveL). U-VT, Lake Champlain.

Why the Best: As socially progressive as it gets, with as much arts, music, clubs, galleries, movies as almost any town west of NYC, centered on a beautiful lake (Mendota) with as many beach activities as the Jersey shore ...read more.

Why the Best: Combines the best elements of urban and suburban living in a dynamic friendly totally habitable high energy town only minutes from Boston and Cambridge -- and from what feels like ½ the universities in all the northeast ...read more.

Why the Best: Home of the Chautauqua Institution and Arts Festival, a year round community of music, dance, arts and intellectual celebration. The Chautauqua summer program is its chief miracle ...read more.